The City’s bicycle rack donation program, initiated in 2009 through Mayor Ravenstahl’s Taking Care of Business Program and BikePGH’s Small Business, will introduce 200 racks to the City’s business districts. Based on pedestrian traffic, ADA compliance, customer flow, parallel parking and existing street furniture, careful consideration of rack location is paramount to the program’s success. The following outline provides DPW staff with criteria for installing the requested racks in the most ideal location.

Layout Guidelines for All Racks

Account for space for bikes on all sides of rack:

Sidewalks must be at least 10’ wide

Within 50’ from business entrance

Parallel to curb

When installing two racks per location, place the racks parallel to the curb, bases adjacent and 5’ apart with the racks facing away from each other.

Racks need at least 30” side clearance from immovable objects, and 4’ access clearance in front or behind the bike rack

Racks on sidewalks should be set back 3’ from curb

Racks shall not be placed:

On a surface other than concrete (no block/brick surfaces)

In front of doorways

In front of utilities

On top of utility access panels (maintain at least 2’ distance, 3’ is better)

On top of areaways (be mindful in historic districts)

Obstructing walkways

In loading zones

In bus zones

Obstructing fire hydrants (minimum 5’ distance including bike)

In any location that places a biker at risk while locking their bike, i.e. do not place 2’ off the curb on a fast street

Note: in placing racks, keep in mind that many cyclists do not pay attention to their surroundings as they lock up their bikes, so please plan accordingly.